Recently, I came across an interesting post that teaches how to find the balance point of a pickleball paddle.

What is the balance point?

The balance point is not a single point but a distance, specifically the distance from the bottom of the paddle handle to the paddle’s center of gravity.

In simple terms, it can be understood as the center of gravity of the paddle. By giving this center a pivot point, the paddle will balance like a seesaw. The simplest way to determine the balance point is to support the center of the paddle face with a finger and measure the distance from this point to the bottom of the handle when balanced.

How does the balance point affect the paddle?

• A larger balance point value means the center of gravity is closer to the paddlehead, indicating a heavier head, typically used for offensive play.

For instance, imagine throwing a shot put. The shot put leaves the hand very quickly with high accuracy, showing strong offensive capabilities. However, offensive paddles may have some drawbacks in defense, lacking agility and slower response in swinging.

According to the principle of mechanics: M = F * L (torque = force * lever arm), with the player’s strength constant, the farther the balance point is from us (the longer the lever arm), the greater the torque produced. This is manifested in the hitting effect in pickleball, enhancing attacking power during gameplay.

Therefore, a player with great strength using a paddle with a high balance point can theoretically deliver powerful shots with high speed and accuracy, making it challenging for the opponent to defend.

•  A smaller balance point value means the center of gravity is farther from the paddlehead, indicating a lighter head, typically used for defensive play.

If we compare the shot put to a pickleball, the pickleball is much lighter, resulting in less power generation, less accurate shots, and difficulty in achieving a killing blow.

However, the advantage lies in defensive agility, as the lighter head allows for faster swing speed to quickly respond to incoming shots.

•  An intermediate balance point value, generally suitable for both offensive and defensive play.

A paddle with a balanced point at the center, suitable for both offensive and defensive play, is commonly referred to as an all-around paddle in badminton, although there is no specific term for this in pickleball. Balanced paddles maintain a certain level of hitting power while also considering defensive capabilities to avoid passivity during gameplay. Most beginners use these all-around paddles to transition, and once they are familiar with their playing style, they can find a paddle that truly suits them. Players with overall strong skills can better utilize the excellent performance of such paddles during actual matches.

How to change the balance point of a paddle?

paddles are manufactured with predefined basic characteristics suitable for offensive, defensive, or all-around playstyles.

One can make minor adjustments to the paddle’s characteristics based on personal playing preferences.

For example, if one has significant strength and wants to enhance the paddle’s defensive capabilities without compromising offensive abilities, they can increase the grip thickness, add lead tape, or lead strips to indirectly shift the balance point downwards, increasing swing speed.

Alternatively, if one wishes to make an all-around paddle more aggressive, they can opt for a thinner grip, reduce the number of wraps, indirectly raising the balance point to enhance offensive performance.

Regardless of the chosen balance point, it is essential to select a paddle based on individual circumstances and skill level to achieve the best results.